A beginning and an end

Today I closed my office door at 1 Military Hospital for the last time. As I drove away from the hospital I was filled with so many emotions. Sadness and loss for what I leave behind but also excitement for what the future holds. Most of all, a deep sense of gratitude for the meaningful time that I spent there – with my colleagues and now friends.

For the past five and a half years, the 1 Mil Psychology Department has become part of my family. We have shared highs and lows, tears and laughter, not to mention many inappropriate jokes.

Interns 2012 – 2017, thank you for joining the geek parties and being so eager to learn and grow. I am in awe of the commitment and dedication with which you approach your training as clinicians. Thank you for challenging me to step up my game every year and reigniting my passion for teaching. It has been a privilege to share a part of your journeys.

To the Ward 13 Neurological Rehabilitation Multi-Disciplinary Team – thank you for caring about your clients against all odds. I will remember the passion with which you advocated for your clients and how you went the extra mile to ensure that your clients can become as independent as is possible. I have learnt so much from you.

To my Neuropsychology Dream Team, you two girls rock my world! What a serendipitous honour to have built this service point with you. I cannot wait to see what you build on the foundation we created.

To the Training Team throughout the years, you have taught me that my ideal of being a perfect Psychologist did not exist. You taught me that a good Psychologist is first and foremost a human being. You taught me that grammar matters. You taught me that humour and good food makes life a more colourful place. You taught me that team work makes the dream work. You taught me that the most important part in a training program, and subsequently psychotherapy, is safety and trust. If there is not sufficient safety and trust that you have a person’s best interest at heart, you cannot expect that person to accept your input. My wish for you is that you continue to build forward on the dream of building a safe, caring and uplifting internship.

How lucky am I to have had such meaningful connections that that my heart is this broken to leave? The 1 Mil Psychology Department will always be part of my foundation as a clinician and I will miss you dearly.